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Volume: 121 No.51, February 5, 2024

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: PRICE–$1

HUNDREDS ORDERED: GET OUT OF SHANTIES 400 notices issued for three unregulated Abaco communities

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net MINISTRY of Works officials have issued over 400 eviction notices across three shanty towns in Abaco, setting the stage for one of the largest shanty town demolition exercises in the country’s history.

Buildings Control Officer Craig Delancy said since

the notification exercise began two weeks ago, 28-day notices were posted throughout the unregulated communities of the Gully on SC Bootle Highway, Gaza, and The Farm near Treasure Cay. He said there are other areas in Abaco officials will inspect.

The government’s push SEE PAGE FOUR

‘DevoteD father’ one of two seek identity of woman who men murDereD on weekenD Police allegedly jumped from bridge

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net A DEVOTED father was killed yesterday morning in what his sister said was a case of the wrong person being shot.

It was one of two murders over the weekend and several shooting incidents, bringing the murder tally

for the year to 23.

Clearance Butler, 28, was gunned down in Nassau Village shortly before 7am yesterday. Police said Mr Butler had recently arrived at his residence when three armed men approached him.

In an attempt to evade, he drove a short distance SEE PAGE THREE

A WOMAN died after allegedly jumping from the eastern bridge at Potter’s Cay Dock yesterday afternoon.

According to reports, shortly after 3pm, police received an anonymous call that a distressed woman was

attempting to jump from the bridge.

Officers arriving at the scene did not see the woman, but were alerted to persons on a nearby vessel who had retrieved an unresponsive woman

THE BODY of a woman who allegedly jumped from the eastern Paradise Island bridge was recovered in waters near Potters Cay Dock yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer

no cabinet approval for prison yet, Munroe says Moncur and Reid were says minister SEE PAGE TWO

never contracted as interrupters

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said Rodney Moncur and Carols Reid were never contracted to be violence interrupters, apparently contradicting comments Office of the Prime Minister communications director Latrae Rahming made in 2022.

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe He said Mr was contracted

Moncur as an

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

independent contractor for inner city communities, saying the talk show host has created an entrepreneurship programme. He added that Mr Reid was hired as a consultant for community outreach to produce initiatives such as Shock Treatment and Peace on the Street.

According to the National Gang Centre,

CABINET has yet to approve the Bahamas Department of Corrections plan for an expanded prison, which officials say is critical to getting accreditation.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday that he eagerly hopes to present a “revised position” on the matter to Cabinet soon.

SEE PAGE FOUR

SEE PAGE FOUR

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

Police seek identity of woman who allegedly jumped from bridge PAGE 2, Monday, February 5, 2024

from page one

from the water.

CPR was administered, EMS then arrived and also attempted to administer

CPR, but it was determined she showed no signs of life.

Police have provided a description of the woman, who had no

THE TRIBUNE

identification on her, in the event that persons who may not have seen a loved one in 24 hours can assist them. Police said she appeared to be in her

early to mid-30s. She was wearing a black sweater top and short pants and was said to be of heavy build and have a dark complexion.

OFFICERS arrived at the scene after receiving an anonymous call that a distressed woman was attempting to jump from the bridge. They did not initially did not see the woman, but were alerted to persons on a nearby vessel who had retrieved an unresponsive woman from waters near Potters Cay Dock. EMT at the scene would later pronounce her dead.

Photos: Dante Carrer

‘Devoted father’ one of two men murdered on weekend THE TRIBUNE

from page one but later collided with the fence of a nearby residence.

Alexandria ButlerFrazier, the sister of the deceased, said her brother had a three-year-old son.

“He was hard working and driven to make sure his son had the best,” she said.

“His company literally consisted of his cousin and friends from when he was a child. He only worked and came home to his son.

“Anywhere you see him, you see him with his son.

He wasn’t known to the police because he wasn’t about that street life. His son was his number one priority.”

“I have so many memories with him, but I would say us growing up together, shooting marbles in the yard together.”

She said her brother never expressed belief that he was in danger, adding that he loved his son too much to ever put him in harm’s way.

“I love him and only

Monday, February 5, 2024, PAGE 3

wanted the best for him.

I would hold him one last time.

Yesterday afternoon, police also reported a shooting incident in the area of Yellow Elder Gardens. The condition of the victim remains unknown.

On Saturday, a brazen daylight shooting in the area of St Andrew’s Beach Estates claimed the life of a man who was electronically monitored for a firearm possession charge.

There was a double shooting in Quarry Mission Road, off Nassau Street around 7.30pm that day.

Reports indicate that two men fired gunshots in the direction of two men standing outside a residence. The 33-year-old remains in critical condition and the 19-year-old remains stable.

On Friday, there was a shooting incident around 4pm in the area of a business establishment off Marathon Road, which resulted in a three-car collision. All victims are in stable condition.

ABOVE and right: Images at the scene where a man was shot and killed on Saturday in the St Andrew’s Beach area.

BELOW and left are images from the scene where Clarence Butler was gunned down in his vehicle on Matthew Street.

Photos: Dante Carrer

CLEARANCE Butler was shot and killed in his vehicle on Matthew Street yesterday.

Arawak Cay drowning POLICE are looking into the circumstances surrounding an apparent drowning that claimed the life of a man on Friday.

Initial reports indicate that shortly before 7pm, the victim was fishing at the back of Arawak Cay on a barge when he reportedly fell into the water and got trapped between the sea

wall and the barge.

Crew members on a nearby vessel, utilising a crane, were able to steady the barge and get the victim out of the water.

Emergency medical technicians responded, examined the victim and determined that he showed no vital signs of life. Investigations continue.

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PAGE 4, Monday, February 5, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

Munroe says Moncur and Reid were Hundreds ordered: never contracted as interrupters Get out of shanties

BUILDINGS CONTROL OFFICER CRAIG DELANCY from page one

NATIONAL SECURITY MINISTER WAYNE MUNROE from page one violence interrupters are defined as individuals who, because of their past positions in the community or, in some cases, their prior history with a gang, retain the ability to reach and talk to key active gang members.

Mr Munroe said the government wouldn’t hire someone as a violence interrupter because that would identify the person and make them a target.

He further explained that Mr Moncur and Mr Reid don’t fit the classic description of a violence interrupter.

In April 2022, Officer of the Prime Minister Communications Director Latrae Rahming said Mr Moncur was appointed as a violence interrupter because he understands the dynamics of communities and was trusted by people in the inner city.

Asked about this, Mr Munroe said: “Violence interrupter is somebody who tries to make peace, everyone should be a violence interrupter. A violence interrupter in the form of the proper phase thing is actually a criminal. And I don’t think Mr Moncur or Mr Reid would say they would identify

themselves as being anything other than in the up-and-up world. People use phrases other than what we call a term of art.

“I’ve heard Mr Moncur say many number of things. His contract has him as an independent contractor for community outreach. Mr Reid’s contract has him as a consultant of community outreach.”

Mr Munroe said that Mr Moncur has started an entrepreneurship programme that has helped people create business plans and start their own businesses.

Last week, Mr Reid

told this newspaper the violence interrupter scheme had not fully started despite him submitting a proposal to the government.

Mr Munroe said Mr Reid’s proposal is currently being considered along with other proposals that were submitted.

Asked when the public would know if Mr Reid’s violence interrupter proposal is approved, Mr Munroe responded: “There’s some things that we do in the fight against crime that we can’t tell the public for reasons you’ll be telling the criminals as well.”

to demolish shanty towns in Abaco comes after structures in the Kool Acres and All Saints Way shanty towns of New Providence were destroyed.

Some shanty town residents fear they will have nowhere to go when demolition exercises begin.

Mr Delancy said he knows some residents have complained about being unable to find a place to move.

“A lot of them were aware that this was going to take place, and some of them have made arrangements to evacuate or to go elsewhere,” he added.

He urged people living in unregulated areas without approval to find alternative housing.

Although successive administrations have pledged to eradicate shanty towns, their efforts were often stymied in court.

Last year, in a long-awaited ruling, Supreme Court Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson concluded that the Minnis administration’s eradication policies were lawful.

The Office of the Attorney General then asked Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder to order the demolition of nearly 300 structures that were built in contravention of Justice Grant Thompson’s previous order prohibiting the construction, erection, or alteration of buildings or structures in shanty towns throughout the country pending her ruling.

Sir Ian only granted permission for two structures to be demolished. However, his ruling paved the way for the minister of works to initiate a demolition process under the Buildings Regulation Act. The Davis administration has since been demolishing structures without court challenges.

NO CABINET APPROVAL FOR PRISON YET, SAYS MINISTER from page one “Once we get judges upholding their conditions as they’re bound to, if only for warning people to obey their word, we’re going to have to address the prison, and I hope that is very soon,” he said.

“We’ve already addressed the youth detention part of it. It’s time for us to address the adult detention part of it.”

In September 2023, Prison Commissioner Doan Cleare revealed that the cost of expanding the prison was cut by 40 per cent, down from $93m.

The cost of building the new prison facility has fluctuated multiple times.

In May 2023, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe revealed that the construction plans moved from a $40m high-medium security facility to a $90m

“correctional institution, administrative, housing, and medical facility”.

Mr Cleare said the initial $40m didn’t cover a medical facility, mental hospital, central intake for booking, or classrooms.

He noted the American Correctional Association, the body concerned with accreditation, gave input on the design of the new facilities. He said the prison should be a certified correctional facility by the middle of this year pending more than 200 upgrades. It’s not clear whether that timeline remains in play.

Meanwhile, in October 2023, Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said the Cabinet had not as yet approved the construction of new prison facilities. He said the structures may have to be built incrementally to spread costs.

Pintard says he and the Chief of Police have ‘cleared the air’ THE TRIBUNE

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said he and Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander have “cleared the air” on various concerns, including how police investigated last year’s attack on Richard Johnson, the party’s chairman.

Mr Pintard met Mr Fernander last week Thursday.

“We had a wonderful meeting with the commissioner of police and his senior staff members,” Mr Pintard said.

“He was able to brief us on the progress they are making on a number of investigations. He also raised the issue of the ankle monitor and expressed the concerns that he and his team have with respect to it.

“We also had an opportunity to clear the air about some of the concerns that we had and we are looking forward to working with him and his team.

“We have expressed our interest in a close working relationship. We have confidence in our police force, and we fully expect that they are going to get full cooperation

Monday, February 5, 2024, PAGE 5

from different stakeholders, including the Free National Movement.”

Last week, the FNM accused police of colluding with operatives of the Progressive Liberal Party as it investigates an attack on Mr Johnson outside the party’s headquarters in November.

The FNM said officers visited the workplace of a senior FNM party officer on Monday and later his residence.

The FNM said before the man entered the police car, social media operatives associated with the PLP and others publicly said he was currently in custody, suggesting they had insight into police operations and intentions. They also published the man’s image.

Yesterday, Mr Pintard said he is optimistic about the issue.

“There was a concern that we weren’t minded to cooperate with police,” he said.

“The issue of whether or not we have sufficient trust in the police force, the answer is clear. We do believe that there is foundational trust in both directions. There are concerns. We have begun the dialogue in addressing the concerns.”

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard (pictured right) said he and Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander (pictured above) have “cleared the air” on various concerns.

Hotel unions and Atlantis meet for four hours but fail to resolve dispute

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net A NEARLY four-hour meeting among Department of Labour officials, the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union and The Bahamas Hotel and Restaurant Employers Association failed to resolve issues between the union and the association, but Labour Director Howard Thompson said the association is “crunching the numbers” in hopes of concluding negotiations on a new industrial deal.

The Department of Labour is mediating negotiations between the two sides.

Both parties met to deliberate on Thursday and Friday, but Mr Thompson said negotiations between them need a miracle.

“After four hours of intense and often time spirited negotiations between

the executives of the Hotel Owner Associations and the executes of the Hotel Union,” Mr Thompson said, “the night ended in a stalemate. No deal. No agreement.”

The Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union had recently announced that its members were on work to rule, with promises of further action if concerns are not met.

The union is taking action because negotiations with The Bahamas Hotel and Restaurant Employers Association for employees in the tipping category to get a salary increase were going poorly.

The union wants all members to get a pay increase, saying more than 5,000 employees have been affected by the association’s failure to give a pay increase.

Mr Thompson, however, said Friday’s meeting ended on a “slight positive note”.

“The night ended on a slightly positive note where the executives of the Hotel Owner’s Association asked for more time to go back and speak with their accountants to ‘crunch the numbers’ and see if they could possibly agree to the union’s very slightly reduced position on base salary increases across the board,” he said.

He said the hotel’s owner’s association is expected to give a verdict before 12 noon today.

The meditation team consists of the Ministry of Labour’s external counsel, Keenan Johnson, Father James Palacious, and Bernard Evans.

Mr Thompson said the Department of Labour’s involvement in bringing the two sides to an agreement signals the government’s desire to discourage any industrial action that might disrupt The Bahamas’ largest industry at this time.

PAGE 6, Monday, February 5, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited When will NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

we learn, Bahamians?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

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Do not turn a blind eye to those struggling THERE is a problem that besets many in our nation that we sadly too often turn a blind eye to – the issue of homelessness.

Last summer, The Tribune spotlighted the problem faced by people living on the street during the height of one of last year’s heatwaves.

One street vendor talked of seeing people faint in the street from the heat, including one homeless man on Mackey Street.

A homeless man often seen at the intersection of Shirley and Mackey Streets said he was “being oppressed” but that he could not give in to the heat as he fought daily for basic necessities.

Last week, two discussions called the issue to mind. One Tribune staff member spoke of how to his knowledge there is a substantial hidden problem with homelessness in Grand Bahama – often masked because people find it hard to say that they are in need.

And in another instance last week, a homeless man called in to The Tribune to ask for help because he felt he had nowhere else to turn.

We will not share his name here but his story seems to have come about in the kind of way that could affect so many of us. He had left one job for another that was promised, but when that fell through, the money ran out and with it went the rental property where he was staying. Worse, his belongings were locked inside and a trip with police to try to retrieve them ended up with him being arrested for being disorderly.

He acknowledged as much when speaking to The Tribune, and as much in the court, where he was given community service.

However, he was at his wit’s end when he reached The Tribune. He had been living homeless for days, had not been able to wash or change, and talked of his worry about a court date to review whether he had fulfilled the terms of his community service as being homeless and with no telephone, he was not sure how he could carry out what was required.

It is a trap that catches too many – that way lies a prison sentence, and once you have been in prison, it is harder to

convince would-be employers to take a chance on you.

The Tribune of course started to reach out to various agencies for help. And, thanks to so many, that help was found.

Mrs Hanchell at Great Commission Ministries gave a host of useful information about places that might be able to offer some help – be it a hot shower or a roof over the head.

Terry Miller at the Bahamas Association of Social Health went above and beyond to try to find some support for the gentleman.

Derek Fox at Team Challenge worked hard to try to find a space where the gentleman might be able to sleep.

There was help too from the likes of The Haven and Mt Olive Baptist Church.

And Minister of Labour Pia GloverRolle was outstanding in providing contacts at Social Services and the Ministry of Labour for support.

In the end, in the short-term, the man gained the temporary help he needed – for now. But as the day showed, there are many places that want to help, but perhaps do not have the room. The resources do not match the need that is present all too often.

Many churches are doing their part – the lines outside Great Commission are testament to that.

The work of groups such as the Salvation Army is vital, as well as the other organisations mentioned above.

There are good public servants who will do what they can to support with what they have available.

When the gentleman arrived at The Tribune, he felt hopeless. By the end of the day, those organisations and individuals had given him the hope he had lost.

Remember that as we see people struggling, battling through homelessness and other issues. We must not turn a blind eye to them – and they must not feel as if they would be shamed if they asked for the help they need.

So many of our people are close to such a situation – a bad month can be enough to tip someone over if they do not have a safety net. We must be that safety net for those who fall. It is the Christian thing to do – and it should be the Bahamian thing to do.

Remove judiciary’s discretion EDITOR, The Tribune.

IN the midst of a nearexistential illegal firearm/ murder crisis, it is most disheartening to hear government ministers still paying lip service to the most abused of our sacred cows: the maintenance of maximum judicial discretion throughout our criminal justice system.

It is time to admit that Bahamian judges have, as a group, disqualified themselves from the exercise of discretion over the two areas that matter most in our struggle with illegal handguns and repeat offenders.

The first of these areas (the grant of bail to people charged with murder) requires and deserves a constitutional amendment to limit a discretion that judges have misused to an extent that

is very clear to anyone acquainted with the details of our murder statistics.

Hundreds of Bahamians have met violent deaths in recent years as a result of poorly exercised judicial discretion over bail. And yet our politicians consider it more important to pursue constitutional changes over matters (like gender issues) whose urgency emanates from nothing more than cultural and political trends in foreign countries, magnified by television and social media.

The second area (sentencing for illegal firearm possession) requires no constitutional amendment at all. In fact, in setting mandatory sentences of no less than ten years for illegal firearm possession, we would only

be bringing ourselves into line with Great Britain, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Barbados (our nearest historical and constitutional comparatives).

Yet we cannot even find it in ourselves to do that, despite the obvious fact that it would save many lives and probably also spare us economically perilous international headlines.

It is time Bahamian politicians began to take more seriously their role as guardians of the physical safety of Bahamians, which ought to trump all other considerations, including a blindly repetitive (and seldom justified) commitment to a maximalist principle of judicial discretion.

ANDREW ALLEN February 4, 2024

MY people, Bahamians everywhere, we of these beautiful islands of the Bahamas. When will we come together the yellow, red, green, black, purple all the political partners? When will we speak the truth and say to each other enough is enough.

History has shown regrettably it has not taught us that every election cycle we listen to the rhetorics, and as the days, months, and years pass by, there isn’t any action. Do any among us recall the word of the former Prime Minister (vote us back in and this time it will be for the people) seriously! Sir, let me remind you that the people gave you that opportunity. It was under that belief and purpose that we entrusted our future into your hands. I believe there are more among us that believe in the rule of law, yet we conform and fall in line like sheep. Truth being said from the time in which those learned men all of whom were educated and taught by the same colonial masters in which the then UBP were educated, sat and plotted and decided to divide and dissect this country for their political and economic benefit. I believe that at the time in which this was negotiated, intentions were not so polluted, but as time passed, priority and the plan at nation building changed to rape and ravage this country as if they were entitled.

Sadly the only thing changed by those that governed us regrettably was skin colour, white to black (One can only listen to the words they speak and observe their actions) they tell the people what they will allow us to see and disseminate. Please hear what I am saying, people.

Let us look at a few of the issues we have been battling over the last few years. Freedom of information, political campaign reform, disclosure of assets and funds, transparency in bidding and procurement contracts, Immigration, crime, education and most of all the Elephant in the room, corruption within the government being that of the Courts, RBPF, RBDF, Customs, Immigration, BDOC the Public Service at large.

My Bahamians, ask yourselves when and why it can’t be all fixed. Everything starts from the top. The late Dr Myles Munroe always called those politicians out and spoke about servant leadership. He was a son of the Bahamian soil. God bless his soul, and may he rest in peace. Where are our religious leaders? Very few call them out and speak truth, very few, but yet, unlike many other countries of the West, the Bahamas is officially a Christian nation. T G Morrison, man of God, I applaud you, continue to be a beacon to speak truth in redefining purpose. There are times in which the masses need only to hear truth from those of you with influence and a voice to embark on a movement for change if God’s anointed words are not favorably received and put into action.

John Maxwell emphasizes that leaders should serve and prioritize the needs of the masses. Servant leadership practices humility, empathy, and compassion.

Do we honestly see this in any of our leaders of today?

Everyone wants to hold that position of power, yet nothing is fixed. The only thing that happens is a new slave master from the same coin.

When power was taken away from the white UBP, there was an abundance of a new beginning, a promising future ahead under the late Lynden Oscar Pindling.

Regrettably, good things don’t last forever. The Honorable Hubert Ingraham again brought new hope to our blessed country for a brief period, an administration time short lived.

We must always be reminded that absolute

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net power corrupts. This is what continues to erode the moral principles of this nation. There is no oversight, no check, and balance in government. There has not been a sitting Prime Minister in our history to fix this, and it’s by design.

This is wrong to the core. it’s insanity we continually conduct business as usual, who checks the PM - no one. We call them Honourable, and we use this word so loosely without realizing that this word carries a lot of responsibility with it. Just take a page from British parliament proceedings they take it seriously, and it is held in high regard. The allegations the words uttered out of our parliamentarians’ mouths, the charges before the courts, the scandals, this isn’t what Honourable is all about. Honouerable is about doing the right thing by resigning. We must hold our parliamentarians to a higher standard, it does not mean that if you are now a part of this club, you are untouchable. It is not casual formality in which a sitting Prime Minister can simply say that he or she doesn’t accept a resignation from a fellow parliamentarian it is their duty to do som it is the Honourable thing to do.

Resign and move out of the way.

When will we demand change? protesting, marching, demonstrating. When will we take our country back from these past leaders of 35 years of complete non-governance? There are things they don’t ever wish for us to ever know. Do our taxpayers’ funds go to pay for their escapades and lavish trips? Contracts are given to friends and family.

Legislation is passed for the same, while they burden the masses with taxes and mismanage public funds.

There is no honour in many of them. Do you really think if it was their monies to be spent their businesses to chance they would be spending so lavishly as if there is no end? Waste is the order of the day.

Friends do any of you recall a few years back when we, the taxpayers, were informed, mistakenly informed, I must add, the Christmas Carnival that comes here each year, pays the sitting administration XXX amount of monies, as patronage to conduct business. Through this information, we were further advised that this payment goes to the actual party itself. Is this a real country? If true, where was the outcry? Why are we accepting this type of mediocracy behaviour? One can only imagine what other unscrupulous acts take place and is at play among these, so-called honourable men and women during the back room deals. Regrettably, unless serious change takes place, we will never know.

I reflect on this point and ask you this question: We are a small country, why do we try to compete so hard with acquiring resources that we do not need and can’t certainly afford or sustain for the most part?

The majority of countries’ expenditure is absorbed into an island 21x7? We boast of being the richest little nation in the Caribbean causing various administrations to heist our basket to that of our big brother to the north, the United States of America, a country that is able to afford and maintain the lifestyle. Look at other countries around the world, Europe or the Caribbean, do they spend so lavishly on (shiny things) such as Police vehicles as we do? Imagine just one of those cruisers purchased by successive governments

can purchase four mid-size sedans, causing an increase in adequate Police vehicles at various outstations that can truly decrease response time and provide timely service for complaints.

It has been alleged that just about every high-ranking Police Officer, and I dare to say, superintendents and up drives around in a brand new Explorer Jeep.

Look at what our ministers, judges, and senior government officials are driving today. Who pays for this?

Why do they need such expensive vehicles, and guess what, people, when they retire, those same vehicles are gifted over to those individuals for a small cost. Is this what they do to keep you, our more learned voices of society silenced?

The police outriders! The motorcycles who bought those vehicles? Is it not the Bahamas government via the Bahamian taxpayers?

So, every day you see them speeding and traversing through the streets, whether being funerals or otherwise, are those funds paid into the public treasury?

After all, they are government bought and owned vehicles, are they not? With that being said, can I then use the government’s bus on weekends, book tours for the tourists, and the proceeds from that undertaking go to a social club at my ministry? How did we get here? They spend, and I dare the masses to question, but God forbid you or I to question this, then you become the enemy of those who benefit without ever thinking about the country’s future and our children’s future, again a way to keep the Police Force silenced.

Good people, we need an awakening, true intervention. The Bahamas has many resources and has a lot of wealth. We are blessed because of our proximity to the great United States of America. regrettably, current and past leaders, in my opinion, have inflected more injury and harm to this country over the past years than that under the former UBP era.

They say government’s are to be continuous, but are they really, because each time an administration/government changes it’s a stop review and cancel policy.

Regardless of how efficient or beneficial the undertakings or ideas were, it would be cast aside regardless of the cost. Tell me if this makes sense to you? We scrap the working ideas and waste funds because it was not under your administration? We are like a hamster just spinning and spinning, but not going anywhere.

Ask yourself the question when last has a law been passed that truly aids and benefits the masses? Take a look at the amendments and laws passed, especially in finance. Understand it research who actually benefits, then a month or two later, see what business emerged and who owns said business. People we know what we need, and we know what type of government we should have.

We all know who among our parliamentarians actually means well despite the collective agreement foolishness that’s at play. Let us force the hands that present themselves to govern us. We know who works, we know who is corrupt, and whose loyalty lies elsewhere without looking at the colours.

Once we establish this, we then must grab the table, turn it upside down, and start over. Always remember that this crime is fueled by corruption. They both need each other to coexist with success. Open your eyes and look within. Are you truly satisfied with the life you’re living? - Robert Nesta Marley.

T ROLLE Nassau, January 23, 2024.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 5, 2024, PAGE 7

More than ten years later, mother of slain son works to curb crime

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE mother of Shaquille Demeritte, a 19-year-old killed in the 2013 Fox Hill mass shooting, said through the strength of God her son’s tragic death has encouraged her to be active in the fight against crime and to help other mothers who are grieving.

Sonia Kemp, manager of the Fox Hill Urban Renewal, said that she works right across the street from the park where her son was killed.

Ms Kemp said that over a decade later she still misses her son dearly and his presence in her home.

But through her faith in God Ms Kemp has found the courage to play a role in putting an end to violence.

“My 19-year-old son was just going to the store. When he was walking home from the store and he was shot in the head,” Ms Kemp told reporters on Friday on the sideline of a Urban Renewal seminar. “So crime has really impacted

me and it’s actually given me a force to want to curb it. What I went through I wouldn’t want that for anyone. If I can prevent one person from experiencing that, that is my drive.”

Ms Kemp’s son, Shaquille Demeritte, was one of four people killed when bullets sprayed a park in Fox Hill on December 27, 2013. Claudezino Davis, Eric Morrison, and Shenique Sands were the other victims. In addition to the four people killed, six others were wounded as they gathered to await Junkanoo results that night.

After a seven-week trial, Peter Rolle, Jermaine Curry, and Justin Williams were acquitted of murder charges in May 2023 – the third and likely final time the men were tried over the incident.

Ms Kemp was deeply devastated when the three men were not found guilty of the murders.

However, she has continued to keep her son’s spirit alive in her community efforts.

She noted that in the Fox Hill area, she has

ACP Shanta Knowles conducts first community walkabout at Pinder’s Point

ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles conducts a community walk in the Pinder’s Point area in Grand Bahama on Friday.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles conducted her first community walk in the Pinder’s Point area in Grand Bahama on Friday.

ACP Knowles visited residents in their homes, met store owners, and chatted with people on the streets.

Senator Kirkland Russell, deputy director of Urban Renewal, and officers from Urban Renewal offices, the Defence Force, the immigration department, representatives from the LEAD Institute, and religious leaders in the community participated.

Ms Knowles said she plans to conduct similar walks in every community in Grand Bahama.

“The goal is to meet people, hear their needs, and be able to address their needs, especially crime and the fear of crime in our communities,” she said.

“So far, I received a very good response from the people in Pinder’s Point, we know that there is an area we can brush upon and we appreciate the candid comments. But residents are so happy to see so many of us walking the community.”

ACP Knowles said she wanted various government agencies to join them so that they could address any environmental, social, and immigration issues.

During their visit, they found several residents with health issues. Urban Renewal officers gathered information to share with

relevant agencies.

Ms Knowles emphasised that while police patrols and other operations are important, going out in the community and knocking on doors is also crucial in policing.

“Unless we get out and knock on the doors of people, we won’t hear all of the residents’ concerns, especially the ones who do not want to call us,” she said.

Annette Jones Bowleg said more frequent walkabouts are necessary and should be held bi-monthly.

The resident said residents would feel safer with more police presence, but there are no major issues with crime in the community.

“It is the first time that an assistant commissioner of police knocked on my door, came and introduced herself to me, and I thought it was a nice gesture,” said Mrs Lewis.

Senator Russell said while Pinder’s Point is not a high-crime area, some issues related to crime must be addressed.

He mentioned that some residents still have concerns about roof repairs, health and social issues, and challenges with NIB that need to be addressed.

“The whole idea is to bring a group of agencies together to walk and hear people’s concerns and have relevant persons there who can address them,” he said.

“It is all about bringing relief and removing anxiety from our residents,” Mr Russell said. “It is not about looking for people and arresting people, it is to hear legitimate concerns.”

visited many other families who lost loved ones to violence. She described the coping process as being “difficult,” explaining that she tries her best to listen to the needs of those who are seeking assistance.

Asked what she would tell mothers who lost their loved ones to violence, Ms Kemp said: “I would tell those mothers just hold on because no matter how dark it looks eventually the sun is going to shine again and you’re going to smile. Like I

heard myself laughing the other day and I was like is that me laughing because, you know, my smile had been gone for so long.”

“I’m happy because God is with me. And I know without a doubt that when I wake up each morning He has my back,” she added.

On Thursday, Urban Renewal Fox Hill is having a “Enough is Enough” crime initiative to be held at Freedom Park, Fox Hill. Several local community activists are expected to attend.

SHAQUILLE DEMERITTE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

It’s time govt shows they are truly serious

By MALCOM STRACHAN

IT is hard to get away from the topic of crime with the way this year has started.

January over, and 20 murders in the month. February just started and, well, we already have another “bloody weekend”. Seems that has become the standard these days.

Yesterday morning, a man was shot dead in Nassau Village. On Saturday morning, a man was found shot dead in his car over at Yamacraw. Another shooting on Friday followed what seems to be a new trend of people being shot when they are driving – with the victim being hit in the torso, losing control of his car and crashing into another vehicle, knocking that one into a collision with a motorbike. Miraculously in that incident, no one was killed – but it seems pretty clear the shooters don’t care who gets hurt, their chosen targets or bystanders.

For me, that lack of respect for any part of the fabric of society was summed up by another incident on Friday – a police officer hurt when a car backed out of a yard and hit his motorbike. The officer had to be taken to hospital. What did the car driver do? Did he stop to see if the officer was ok? Did he call for assistance? No, he abandoned his car and ran off.

Funeral homes are struggling with the murder rate, with the Bahamas Funeral Directors Association president last week talking about there being a need to share personnel and equipment because of the added burden.

This weekend, it was somewhat jarring to be hearing reports of the latest murders and shootings only to see video of the nation’s SWAT team off taking part in an international

MEMBERS of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) participate in the United Arab Emirates SWAT competition over the weekend. competition. I hope they had plenty of back-up left behind, but the optics … let me tell ya, I did a double then a triple take at that.

And then there were two other stories that gave me pause. There was former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis up in the House hinting that some big-time government contracts had been given out to major criminals.

He didn’t name names but he named places, saying he was “talking about Abaco, he (Prime Minister Philip Davis) knows I’m talking about Bozine

Town, he knows I’m talking about Pinewood, he knows I’m talking about individuals who was extradited from the Dominican Republic and he knows I’m talking about individuals that served time… I can go on and on”.

I wish he would – given that we haven’t got anywhere close to having a functional Freedom of Information Act and that the government is still shy about saying what contracts it is giving out, there’s little Johnny Public can do to get that information. Maybe that’s why we don’t have

such information available.

Then there was the second story – the one that tells us that the government has been paying consultants for nearly two years for a “violence interrupter” scheme that still has not started.

Come on, man, are they serious?

The word came from Carlos Reid – who I have a lot of respect for, he has done a lot of good work on the streets and with people who are involved in gangland activity to try to steer them to a better path. It is not his fault if the

government cannot find its way to getting the scheme started.

It would be nice if Rodney Moncur, one of the other consultants involved, could find his way to a microphone to talk about what he has been doing while taking the taxpayer dollars, but even better if Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe could pipe up to say why a scheme discussed in Office of the Prime Minister briefings has not been able to get started. Maybe if it had started when it was announced in 2022, some of the violence we have been experiencing might have been interrupted. How much has been spent, and what is the value we have received from that money?

When will we see these violence interrupters swing into action? For the financial outlay, what do we expect to get out of it as a nation?

If you were in private business, you would look at who you are hiring and what your product is from that employee. In government, it seems you take someone on a contract and forget to ask them to do what you hired them to do.

The mess over at Road

Traffic, the tax portal online and the boat registration fee U-turn only adds to such thoughts.

I can’t even ask the question what is government going to do about the spike in murders – because if they haven’t even done what they said they were going to before, what is any pledge made now worth?

It’s too late. The murders have happened. Now we’re trying to stick a Band-Aid on a gushing wound.

There was talk of “more intrusive policing” but I’ve seen a bunch of road blocks manned by officers who seemed to wonder what they were doing out there at that time of day and waving a bunch of drivers past.

A month of 20 murders and we send our SWAT team off to take part in some games. A month of 20 murders and still not seeming to slow down. A month of 20 murders and we’re paying people for nothing and no one shamed enough to come out and say when they will get on with the schemes they already announced.

The police can only do what they have the resources to do. But is this administration serious? It’s time they showed it.

PAGE February 5, 5, 2024 PAGE10, 10 Monday, MONDAY, February 2024

INSIGHT

THE TRIBUNE EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Urban agriculture isn’t as climate-friendly as it seems ...BUT THESE BEST PRACTICES CAN TRANSFORM GARDENS AND CITY FARMS

By JASON HAWES University of Michigan URBAN agriculture is expected to be an important feature of 21st century sustainability and can have many benefits for communities and cities, including providing fresh produce in neighborhoods with few other options.

Among those benefits, growing food in backyards, community gardens or urban farms can shrink the distance fruits and vegetables have to travel between producers and consumers – what’s known as the “food mile” problem. With transportation’s greenhouse gas emissions eliminated, it’s a small leap to assume that urban agriculture is a simple climate solution.

But is urban agriculture really as climate-friendly as many people think?

Ourteam ofresearchers partnered with individual gardeners, community garden volunteers and urban farm managers at 73 sites across five

countries in North America and Europe to test this assumption.

We found that urban agriculture, while it has many community benefits,

isn’t always better for the climate than conventional agriculture over the life cycle, even with transportation factored in. In fact, on average, the urban

agriculture sites we studied were six times more carbon intensive per serving of fruit or vegetables than conventional farming.

However, we also found

COMMUNITY gardens like Baltimore’s Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm provide a wide range of benefits to the community, including providing fresh produce in areas with few places to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and having a positive impact on young people’s lives.

Photo: Preston Keres/USDA/FPAC/AP

several practices that stood out for how effectively they can make fruits and vegetables grown in cities more climate-friendly.

WHAT MAKES URBAN AG MORE CARBON-INTENSIVE? Most research on urban agriculture has focused on a single type of urban farming, often high-tech projects, such as aquaponic tanks, rooftop greenhouses or vertical farms. Electricity consumption often means the food grown in these high-tech environments has a big carbon footprint.

We looked instead at the life cycle emissions of more common low-tech urban agriculture – the kind found in urban backyards, vacant lots and urban farms.

Our study, published Jan. 22, 2024, modeled carbon emissions from farming activities like watering and fertilizing crops and from building and maintaining the farms. Surprisingly, from a life cycle emissions perspective, the most common source at these sites turned out to be infrastructure. From raised beds to sheds and concrete pathways, this gardening infrastructure means more carbon emissions per serving of produce than the average wide-open fields on conventional farms.

However, among the 73 sites in cities including New York, London and Paris, 17 had lower emissions than conventional farms.

By exploring what set these sites apart, we identified some best practices for shrinking the carbon footprint of urban food production.

1) Make use of recycled materials, including food waste and water Using old building materials for constructing farm infrastructure, such as raised beds, can cut out the climate impacts of new lumber, cement and glass, among other materials. We found that upcycling building materials could cut a site’s emissions 50% or more.

On average, our sites used compost to replace 95% of synthetic nutrients. Using food waste as compost can avoid both the methane emissions from food scraps

buried in landfills and the need for synthetic fertilizers made from fossil fuels.

We found that careful compost management could cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 40%.

Capturing rainwater or using greywater from shower drains or sinks can reduce the need for pumping water, water treatment and water distribution. Yet we found that few sites used those techniques for most of their water.

2) Grow crops that are carbon-intensive when grown by conventional methods Tomatoes are a great example of crops that can cut emissions when grown with low-tech urban agriculture. Commercially, they are often grown in largescale greenhouses that can be particularly energyintensive. Asparagus and other produce that must be transported by airplane because they spoil quickly are another example with a large carbon footprint.

By growing these crops instead of buying them in stores, low-tech urban growers can reduce their net carbon impact.

3) Keep urban gardens going long term Cities are constantly changing, and community gardens can be vulnerable to development pressures.

But if urban agriculture sites can remain in place for many years, they can avoid the need for new infrastructure and keep providing other benefits to their communities.

Urban agriculture sites provide ecosystem services and social benefits, such as fresh produce, community building and education.

Urban farms also create homes for bees and urban wildlife, while offering some protection from the urban heat island effect.

The practice of growing food in cities is expected to continue expanding in the coming years, and many cities are looking to it as a key tool for climate adaptation and environmental justice.

We believe that with careful site design and improved land use policy, urban farmers and gardeners can boost their benefit both to people nearby and the planet as a whole.

CARIBBEAN BOTTLING BRINGS SUPPORT TO SALVATION ARMY CARIBBEAN Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola, recently honoured its commitment to provide a financial donation to The Salvation Army, a pledge made as part of their holiday campaign, ‘The World Needs More Santas.’

In addition to the monetary contribution, CBC actively participated in various holiday initiatives alongside The Salvation Army.

Throughout the festive season, CBC joined The Salvation Army at bell ringing events and orchestrated donations of Christmas gifts, presenting them to the children of The Salvation Army.

In the spirit of fostering joy and community, CBC also hosted special lunches with the kids to present each child with a Christmas gift.

The holiday campaign featured limited-time Santathemed Christmas designs on Coca-Cola cans, creating a unique experience-led ecosystem to engage consumers. The global festive campaign spanned more than 80 markets worldwide, with 34 markets in Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasizing the magic of kindness.

In alignment with the campaign’s commitment to giving back, CBC’s $15,000 contribution to The Salvation Army will not only support efforts to feed the less fortunate but will also contribute to the future construction of

a new women’s shelter on Gladstone Road, a project recently announced by The Salvation Army.

“It was special to spend time with the kids, laughing and sharing jokes while we had lunch and presented them with Christmas gifts.

We were able to showcase our inner Santa’s and give back during the holiday season. While we hope to continue our support with The Salvation Army, we want to encourage persons to embrace the holiday spirit year-round and continue to be our brother and sister’s keeperm,” stated Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director at CBC. Major Aldene Meo, Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries at The Salvation Army Bahamas Division, emphasized the vital role of corporate sponsors like Caribbean Bottling Company in supporting the non-profit organization. “As a non-profit organization, The Salvation Army depends on assistance from corporate sponsors such as Caribbean Bottling Company to continue our efforts to assist persons in need,” Major Meo stated. Expressing gratitude for existing supporters, she highlighted that their work extends beyond the holiday season, emphasizing the hope to witness the kindness and goodwill of the holiday season continue throughout the entire year.

THE TRIBUNE EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

INSIGHT

Monday, February PAGE 11 11 MONDAY, February5, 5, 2024, 2024 PAGE

What to know about the US strikes in Iraq and Syria and its attacks with the UK in Yemen

IN this image provided the Ministry of Defence, an RAF Typhoon aircraft takes off to conduct further strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen, from RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, Saturday.

Photo:AS1 Jake Green/Ministry of Defence/AP

BEIRUT Associated Press BRITISH forces on Saturday joined their American allies in new attacks against militia in Yemen. The US military earlier launched strikes on dozens of sites manned

by Iran-backed fighters in western Iraq and eastern Syria in retaliation for a drone strike in Jordan in late January that killed three US service members and wounded dozens.

Tensions have been rising in the region since the Israel-Hamas war started on Oct. 7. A week later, Iran-backed fighters, who are loosely allied with Hamas, began carrying out drone and rocket attacks on bases housing US troops in Iraq and Syria. A deadly strike on the desert outpost known as Tower 22 in Jordan near the Syrian border further increased tensions.

WHAT HAPPENED IN YEMEN? The United States and Britain said they launched a barrage of strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen from fighter jets and warships in the Red Sea. The strikes hit 36 Houthi targets in 13 locations, according to the US and UK militaries. It is the third time in two weeks that the US and Britain have conducted a large joint operation to strike Houthi weapon launchers, radar sites and drones.

The strikes came in response to almost daily missile or drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand supported the latest wave of strikes intended to “defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways.”

in Iraq have come under attack too.

Iran-backed militias control the Iraqi side of the border and move freely in and out of Syria, where they man posts with their allies from Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah and other Shiite armed groups.

WHAT JETS WERE USED IN THE YEMEN STRIKES?

WHAT WAS HIT IN IRAQ AND SYRIA? HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE KILLED?

The Houthi targets were struck by US F/A-18 fighter jets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, by British Typhoon FGR4 fighter aircraft and by the Navy destroyers USS Gravely and the USS Carney firing Tomahawk missiles from the Red Sea, according to US officials and the UK Defense Ministry.

WHO WAS TARGETED IN SYRIA AND IRAQ, AND WHY? The strikes on Friday came in retaliation for the drone strike that killed three US troops in Jordan on Jan. 28.

US forces struck 85 targets in seven locations in a strategic region where thousands of Iran-backed fighters are deployed to help expand Iran’s influence from Tehran to the Mediterranean coast.

US bases in Syria’s eastern province of Deir el-Zour and the northeastern province of Hassakeh have come under attack for years. The Euphrates River cuts through Syria into Iraq, with US troops and American-backed Kurdish-led fighters on the east bank and Iran-backed fighters and Syrian government forces to the west.

Bases for US troops

The US military said the barrage of strikes hit command and control headquarters; intelligence centres; rockets and missiles, drone and ammunition storage sites; and other facilities connected to the militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force, which handles Tehran’s relationship with, and arming of, regional militias.

Syrian opposition activists said the strikes hit the Imam Ali base near the border Syrian town of Boukamal, the Ein Ali base in Quriya, just south of the strategic town of Mayadeen, and a radar center on a mountain near the provincial capital that is also called Deir el-Zour.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britainbased Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said 29 rank-and-file fighters were killed in those strikes.

The attacks also hit a border crossing known as Humaydiya, where militia cross back and forth between Iraq and Syria, according to Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist who heads the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet. He said the strikes also hit an area inside the town of

Mayadeen known as “the security quarter.”

Iraqi government spokesperson Bassim al-Awadi said the border strikes killed 16 people and caused “significant damage” to homes and private properties.

The Popular Mobilization Force, a coalition of Iran-backed militia that is nominally under the control of the Iraqi military, said the strikes in western Iraq hit a logistical support post, a tanks battalion, an artillery post and a hospital. The PMF said 16 people were

killed and 36 wounded, and that authorities were searching for other missing people.

WILL IRANBACKED FIGHTERS RETALIATE? Iran and groups it backs in the region aim to put pressure on Washington to force Israel to end its crushing offensive in Gaza, but do not appear to want all-out war. The defeat of Hamas would be a major setback for Tehran, which considers itself and its allies

the main defenders of the Palestinian cause.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group for Iran-backed groups, said it carried out two explosive drone attacks Saturday on bases housing US troops in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil and a post in northeast Syria near the Iraqi border.

The only Iran-backed faction that has been escalating are the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and they have made clear that they have no intention of scaling back their campaign.

Seymour participates in literacy month celebrations at CW Sawyer PAGE 12, Monday, February 5, 2024

CW SAWYER Primary School held its book reveal assembly on Thursday, February 1, marking the launch of the school’s Literacy Month celebrations.

Senator Maxine Seymour, an advocate for literacy who regularly reads aloud to students at various schools, was the guest of honour at the event, which included students from pre-school through grade six.

“Today, people are increasingly reliant on technology; our devices read and write for us, which puts traditional literacy skills at risk of extinction, so we have to do all we can to nurture a love of reading among our young citizens,” she said.

“Literacy is important and extends beyond understanding words on a page, it is about making sense of the world around us, connecting with one another on a deeper level, thinking critically and navigating the complexities of these modern times.”

As anticipation built, students watched a countdown video that led to the grand unveiling of this year’s book. ‘Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures’, by Kate DiCamillo, is the 2024 selection for the “One Book, One School” initiative which aims to unite the school community through literature, with live readings during February. A squirrel mascot, representing the book’s hero, made a surprise appearance, distributing balloons, amidst screams from the students.

THE TRIBUNE

SENATOR Maxine Seymour read the first chapter of ‘Flora and Ulysses’, and facilitated a question and answer session, rewarding students with prizes for their participation and engagement during literacy month events at CW Sawyer Primary School.

Senator Seymour read the first chapter of ‘Flora and Ulysses’, and facilitated a question and answer session, rewarding students with prizes for their participation and

engagement. This lively interaction allowed students to delve deeper into their understanding of the material.

“The assembly was filled with excitement, from start

to finish, and I am grateful for the invitation to partner with C W Sawyer,” said Senator Seymour.

To conclude the month’s activities, the school plans to continue its tradition

of extending the reading experience to the big screen by watching the film adaptation of ‘Flora and Ulysses’. Last year’s “One School, One Book” featured ‘Mr. Popper’s

Penguins’ which C W Sawyer students viewed at Atlantis, after reading the book. This approach bridges the gap between the written word and visual storytelling.

ICONIC BALLET COMPANY TO HEADLINE TWO shows at old Fort Bay’s Great lawn FOR two nights only, some of the world’s most iconic ballet dancers from one of the most revered ballet companies will headline two dynamic shows of grace and precision set on the Great Lawn of Old Fort Bay Club for ‘Iconique’ Dinner Ballet Gala.

The 360-seat, all-inclusive dinner, presented by the Covent Garden Dance Company and Old Fort Bay Club, will feature three sections of Classical, Neo-Classical, and Contemporary performance ballet.

The show has been dubbed ‘some of the world’s most iconic dancers in one of the world’s most beautiful locations’ and is scheduled for two special and intimate performances in Old Fort on February 14 and 16.

Covent Garden Dance is world-renowned for its ability to produce and present some of the most acclaimed and admired ballet and dance gala programs.

Covent Garden Dance Director Matt Brady described it as a “world premiere of a gala program created especially for Nassau, Bahamas that will probably never be repeated with this collection of dancers.” “The iconic stars aligned,” Brady explained of this one in a lifetime evening of ballet. “The cast are all iconic in each of their own ways. There are ten cast members, all of whom I know and/or have worked with for the exact reason they are here. They are all incredible.

From the well known British dancer Xander Parish, who was the only British Dancer to make it to Principal at The Mariinsky world-renowned Russian company, to Mackenzie Brown the youngest dancer to ever have made Principal at Stuttgart Ballet.

Each and every one of these dancers is iconic in their own way.” The all-star collection of ballet dancers includes internationally acclaimed and Nikinsky

HOLLY JEAN DORGER

Award winning Lucia Lacarra, Prix de Lausanne winner Matthew Golding, who has earned numerous major roles including Prince Florimund in the Sleeping Beauty, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake and Fate in Carlos Acosta’s Carmen.

One of the most highly regarded principal dancers with the Royal Danish Ballet, Jon Axel Fransson, will also grace the stage as a part of the ensemble.

‘Iconique’ is anticipated to be one of the most magical evenings of ballet and dance The Bahamas has ever witnessed with powerful performances and the best in gourmet dining.

Holly Jean Dorger, Ksenia Ovsyanick, Zdenek Konvalina, Mara Galeazzi and Jason Kittelberger will all complete this ‘iconic’ company for this stellar night of ballet.

“The program we have put together is one that we feel will appeal to all across the board,” Brady added.

“If you have never been to see a ballet performance before, then this is the perfect production to come to because it is a gala-style format with a collection of short works performed by some of the greatest dancers in the world. Each work is around four to seven minutes long and there are a variety of styles and themes.

So, if one work might not be to your taste the next

probably will. Each work on this program is incredibly special. Even if you are a well-heeled balletomane, there will be works on here that you will have never seen that will stay with you forever.”

With only 36 tables available, Iconique is designed to be an intimate event. Tickets are $350 can be reserved at events@coventgardendance.com or through the Old Fort offices.

The company of dancers will arrive for rehearsals the week of the two shows and will take the time to meet local dancers, learning the craft of ballet in Nassaubased dance companies.

Brady hopes that showcasing the traditional and modern dances will energize Bahamian ballerinas to maintain their love of the dance.

Brady said The Bahamas provided the ideal location for ‘Iconique’ after the pandemic placed a halt on plans that were already in the works since 2019.

“The Bahamas are the perfect backdrop for our concept and we were determined to make it happen,” Brady said. “Anita Wheeler of Old Fort Bay Club serendipitously came to our flagship production at Hatch House in the UK last July and got in touch to tell us about Old Fort Bay Club.

And so, this new journey began.”

PAGE 14, Monday, February 5, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

Second atmospheric river in days blows into California, knocking out power and flooding roads LOS ANGELES Associated Press THE second of back-toback atmospheric rivers drenched Northern California on Sunday, flooding roads, knocking out power to tens of thousands and leading forecasters to warn of possible hurricane-force winds and mudslides as it slowly heads south over the coming days.

The storm knocked down trees and power lines in the San Francisco Bay Area, where winds topped 60 mph (96 kph) in some areas.

Gusts exceeding 80 mph (128 kph) were recorded in the mountains.

More than 200,000 customers were without electricity statewide, with most of the outages in the northern part of the state, according to poweroutage.us.

“We’re not out of the woods yet — strong winds will continue through the early evening today,” the Bay Area’s National Weather Service said.

Six Bay Area counties were at low risk of waterspouts coming ashore and becoming tornadoes, said the Storm Prediction Center.

The last time the center forecasted a tornado risk in the region was in February 2015, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Palisades Tahoe, a ski resort about 200 miles (320 kilometres) northeast of San Francisco, said it was anticipating the heaviest snowfall yet this season, with accumulations of 6 inches (15 centimetres) per hour for a total of up to two feet (60 centimetres). Heavy snow was possible into Monday throughout the Sierra Nevada.

Meanwhile, Southern California was at risk of substantial flooding beginning late Sunday because of how slow the system was

moving, said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist at the weather service’s Los Angeles-area office.

“The core of the low pressure system is very deep, and it’s moving very slowly and it’s very close to us. And that’s why we have those very strong winds. And the slow nature of it is really giving us the highest rainfall totals and the flooding risk,” he said at a Sunday briefing.

Much of the state had been drying out from the system that blew in last week, causing flooding and dumping welcome snow in mountains. The latest storm, also called a “Pineapple Express” because its plume of moisture stretches back across the Pacific to near Hawaii, arrived offshore in Northern California on Saturday, when most of the state was under some sort of wind, surf or flood watch.

The phone was ringing incessantly at the Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center, with people inquiring about sandbags, flashlights and generators, said assistant manager Lupita Vital. Sandbags sold out on Saturday, so customers were buying bags of potting soil and fertilizer instead, she said.

“People are trying to get anything they can get that’s heavy to use it as, you know, protection for their doors and everything,” Vital said Sunday.

She said the store might close early so employees can get home before the heaviest rain arrived.

“This storm is predicted to be one of the largest and most significant in our county’s history, and our goal is to get through it without any fatalities or any serious injuries,” Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown told reporters Saturday. Classes were cancelled Monday for schools across the county, which was devastated by

mudslides caused by powerful storms in 2018.

Evacuation orders and warnings were in effect for mountain and canyon areas of Monterey, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

By early Sunday, the weather service issued a rare “hurricane force wind warning” for the Central Coast, with wind gusts of up to 92 mph (148 kph) possible from the Monterey Peninsula to the northern section of San Luis Obispo County.

The rain forced organizers to postpone the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in Monterey County until Monday.

The storm was expected to move down the coast and bring heavy rain, possible flash-flooding and mountain snow to the Los Angeles area late Sunday, before moving on to hammer Orange and San Diego counties on Monday.

“This is a dangerous system with major risks to life and property,” the weather service’s Los Angeles office said. “Residents should heed any evacuation orders. Stay off the roads, especially the freeways, this afternoon through at least Monday morning.”

The weather service forecast up to 6 inches (15 centimetres) of rainfall across Southern California’s coastal and valley areas, with up to 12 inches (31 centimetres) likely in the foothills and mountains.

Forecasters warned that mudslides, debris flows and flooding are likely. Heavy to moderate rain is expected in Southern California until Tuesday.

“Even if the rain does start to let up on Monday morning, just the sheer amount of rain overnight will cause lingering flooding issues into the morning hours,” said Kittell.

FALLEN trees and power lines block a road in Pebble Beach, Califfornia yesterday. Powerful winds and heavy rain are expected to hammer the Central Coast of California, as a second atmospheric river in days threatens to soak the state and cause flooding and mudslides. The storm blew ashore Saturday in Northern California and is expected to cause downpours into Tuesday as it heads down the coast toward San Diego.

Photo: Ryan Sun/AP

SPORTS PAGE 15

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024

Gardiner is back

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

“Everything is in the right order for me healthwise and so I’m just monitoring my training and t was a comeback making sure we’re healthy for the ages for before we do anything this Bahamian reigning season.”

Olympic 400 metre While he admitted that champion Steven Gardiner he didn’t have the fall base over the weekend at the that he wanted, he came South Carolina Invitational close to eclipsing his previat the University of ous best.

South Carolina.

He noted that The 28-year-old had he not have to Abaconian ran a make a few trips world-leading time to Germany to get of 31.78 seconds his medical checkto win the men’s ups, he would have 300 metres, well been in a much ahead of Ameribetter position.

CHARLTON can Matthew “My coach Boling (32.58) (American Gary and British World Evans) didn’t start Championship me off with a full silver medallist fall base, but I Matthew Hudsonstarted training Smith (33.82). with the sprinters’ In the process group and I felt Gardiner, who has strong in the race,” not competed since he said.

CARTWRIGHT suffering an injury “I felt pretty in the semifinals of the strong out there in my first World Championships in race back since August, so Budapest, Hungary, posted I felt it was a pretty good the second fastest ever race. It just motivates me indoors, following only his to continue my training.” world’s best of 31.56 he did This is the only meet at the same venue in 2022. he will compete in during “I feel pretty good about the indoor season as he it. I know last season ended bypasses the World Indoor in a bit of a struggle for me Championships in Glasin the semifinals (at the gow, Scotland, March 1-3, World Championships), but he noted that he will be so I put it behind me and coming home for the World we’re not going to let this Relays at the Thomas A. one (Olympics) get away SEE PAGE 18 from me.

I

FIBA: KAI JONES TO PLAY FOR THE BAHAMAS AGAIN

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

CRUISE CONTROL: Reigning Olympic 400 metre champion Steven Gardiner ran a world-leading time of 31.78 seconds to win the men’s 300 metres over the weekend at the South Carolina Invitational at the University of South Carolina. (AP)

More athletes qualify for CARIFTA

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

PACESETTER: Young athletes in action on Saturday at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium stadium.

Photo: Dante Carrer

KAI JONES

A beautiful Saturday at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium was perfect for the athletes to turn in CARIFTA-qualifying performances at the 2024 Star Performers Track Classic. The second to last track club meet saw numerous athletes achieving the CARIFTA mark in multiple events, first time and repeat qualifiers over the weekend.

TRACK Keyezra Thomas is a young lady on a mission this track season. Over the weekend, she qualified in the 200 metres and 400m

SPORTS CALENDAR

Feb. 2024

events, making it her third overall. The Speed Begins athlete dipped under the qualifying standard of 24.65 seconds with her time of 24.58 seconds in the under 17 girls 200m.

Additionally, she was in top form in the 400m event, clocking 55.52 seconds besting the qualification standard of 56.35 seconds.

Her third first place finish of the day was in the long jump event where she soared to a height 5.21m.

The multi-talented athlete hailing from Grand Bahama was happy to alleviate some of the pressure on her ahead of the CARIFTA Trials.

“It was good. I want to thank God for allowing me

to qualify for the races I qualified for today.

“It feels good because the pressure does not have to be on me for when the National Trials come. I just have to place first or second and it is just easier for the athlete,” Thomas said.

Although her list of qualifications is now up to three, she is looking to make her presence felt in the long jump and 100m events as well.

“I want to qualify for it to see my limits. Basically, I already qualified for the 100m but it was wind-aided so they did not take it as a qualifier,” she said.

SEE PAGE 18

BAHAMAS Basketball Federation executive Moses Johnson said they’re excited that Kai Jones will be the centrepiece for the men’s national basketball team when they play in the first window of the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifier.

Jones, a free agent in the National Basketball Association, is one the 18 players who are shortlisted for the team that will play in a home-and-away series against Puerto Rico.

The first match will be played on Thursday, February 22 at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan at 7:10pm before the two teams come to the Bahamas to play on Sunday, February 25 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium at 8:10 pm.

Also on the shortlist are Kentwan Smith, Rashad Davis, Tavario Miller Sr, Travis Munnings, Domnick Bridgewater, David Nesbitt, Jaraun Burrows, Godfrey Rolle III, Danrad Knowles, Aaron Levarity, Emmanuel Newsome, Eron Gordon, Kemsy Sylvestre, Jonathan McFall, Dylan Musgrove, Jean Rony Cadot and Qyemah Gibson.

According to Johnson, who will serve as the head coach for this window, they were not able to assemble all of the top players, who are still playing in the NBA, in Europe or college.

But he noted that the coaching staff, when finally put together, will assemble a solid team of 12 as they go out to avenge their last loss to Puerto Rico, who won 102-97 in February 2021.

“This is just a preliminary list and then we will narrow it down to get our 12 players for this window,”

SEE PAGE 16

CHEETAHS CLINCH PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS BOYS’ BASKETBALL TITLE

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BASKETBALL BAISS FINALS THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools will begin their best-of-three championships today at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, starting at 4pm.

Junior girls - St Augustine’s College vs St John’s Junior boys - St John’s College vs Queen’s College Senior girls - Kingsway Academy vs St John’s Senior boys - Charles W Saunders vs Kingsway Academy.

GSSSA POSTSEASON THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association has some unfinished business today at 4pm when they complete their junior boys and girls regular season before the playoffs get underway on Tuesday.

Today’s games are as follows, starting at 4pm at CI Gibson: Jr Boys HO Nash vs TA Thompson Jr Girls Anatol Rodgers VS SC McPherson Jr Boys - Teams not completed Anatol Rodgers vs SC McPherson.

The GSSSA playoffs will begin on Tuesday and continue on Thursday.

Tuesday Junior girls - pennant winning HO Nash vs #4 AF Adderley Junior boys - Teams not completed Senior girls - pennant winning CV Bethel vs No 4 RM Bailey Senior boys - pennant winning CI Gibson vs #4 CR Walker Thursday Junior girls - #2 CH Reeves vs #3 DW Davis.

Sr. Girls - #2 CI Gibson vs #3 CR Walker.

SEE PAGE 16

THE undefeated Centerville Primary Cheetahs clinched the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association Sherman Smith’s primary boys basketball title as they doubled up the final score against Sandilands Primary.

In the finale of the week-long competition that concluded on the final three days at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, the Cheetahs emerged with a 26-13 win over Sandilands Primary on Friday.

And in the consolation match, Palmdale got third place as they pulled off an 18-7 decision over Cleveland Eneas.

Championship game Centerville 26, Sandilands 7: Deangelo Hinsey

CHAMPIONS Centerville Primary Cheetahs boys show off their trophy and medals. canned six points in the noted that they played as win, but Kenaz Adderley champions from start to had a game high seven in a finish in the game.

“They did what we losing cause.

Rashad Cunningham, were supposed to do. We one of the coaches of had some long hours of the Cheetahs, said they deserved the victory. He SEE PAGE 16

PAGE 16, Monday, February 5, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

FIBA: KAI JONES TO PLAY FOR THE BAHAMAS AGAIN FROM PAGE 15 Johnson said. “Most of these players are actively playing in Europe because the NBA and college players can’t attend.

“We’ve chosen the best and like we always do, we include some of the local talent that we feel are best suited for the exposure to make up a strong 12 for the team.”

As for having Jones available to play again for the Bahamas after he missed the Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament last year in Argentina, Johnson said he will be the focus of their interior lineup on both ends of

the court, defensively and offensively.

“Having him on the defensive end and adding him to our offensive attack, will definitely be a plus,” Johnson said.

“It’s something we didn’t have for these windows for some time, so we’re looking forward to having him on the team.”

While Jones did not play, Smith, Davis, Munnings, Bridgewater and Burrows were all a part of Team Bahamas that defeated Argentina in the finals of the pre-Olympic Qualifier to become the first team from the Bahamas to advance to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in

June for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

The 2025 AmeriCup Tournament will be played in Nicaragua.

It will determine the best team in the region and allow for team rankings according to how they finish.

The Americas sits in FIBA alongside Asia, Africa and Europe.

There will be three sets of pool play, which will have dual games in each section, starting in February when the Bahamas plays Puerto Rico.

The next round will be in November when the Bahamas plays the United States and Cuba on the road.

They will wrap up in February 2025 by hosting Cuba and the United States.

“The Bahamas has never made the AmeriCup Tournament so this is a great opportunity for us to move up the rankings and also to make history by securing a seat at the table in the AmeriCup Tournament in 2025 in Nicaragua,” Johnson stated.

Johnson is encouraging the public to come out and support the federation in the game against Puerto Rico.

He said the funds generated will help the men’s team as they continue their historic trek to the

Olympics. “We have a big summer ahead of us with the Olympic qualifier and this is a fundraiser, so we are asking the public to come out and also to be the sixth man to give that added boost of energy when we need to hear that cheer, cowbells, whistle or goatskin drum in the background urging us along,” Johnson said. “So we’re looking for a full house.

We expect that everybody would get their tickets.

Tickets are now available and so we’re asking everybody to go ahead and book their tickets.”

Tickets are priced at $30 for general admission and $125 for VIP.

RUNNERS-UP Sandilands Primary School boys.

CENTERVILLE CHEETAHS CLINCH PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS BOYS’ BASKETBALL TITLE FROM PAGE 15 practice and with a lot of the boys in fourth and fifth grades, we wanted to make sure that they get ready for next year,” he said.

Cunningham thanked God for allowing his team to ride a perfect winloss record during the tournament.

DeShawn Armbrister, the coach of Sandilands Primary, admitted that they gave it their best shot, but Centerville was just that much better on the day and wanted the title more than they did.

“We executed well during the tournament, but in the championship game, our defence sort of collapsed,” he pointed out. “But they pushed and pushed, but we just allowed Centerville to get off to a good start.

“Once they did, we were in a dog fight for the rest of the game. We were not able to catch them up. But they gave it their all and we are very proud of their performances.”

Consolation game Palmdale 18, Cleveland Eneas 7: Milton Newbold pumped in a game high 14 points in the win. Both Jemar Henry and Austin Deal had three in a losing effort.

“The kids did very well.

They have been working hard for months to get to

THIRD place finishers Palmdale Panthers. this point,” said Ashley Oembler, the head coach of Palmdale. “The boys were looking exceptional this year, so we knew we had a team that could finish in the top three.”

Semifinal matches Centerville 10, Palmdale 3: Dion White scored three points to lead the Cheetahs as they advanced to the championship. Deangelo Hinsey also had three in a losing cause as they dropped into the consolation game.

Sandilands 14, Cleveland Eneas 12: Kenaz Adderley poured in a game high 11

points in the win as they advanced to the championship. Jemar Henry had six in the loss as Cleveland Eneas fell into the consolation game.

Association president Latoya Sturrup said the competition was very competitive. “It was not an easy win for any school, but the kids had fun and meeting long-time friends,” Bain said. “The way the pool was set up, schools competed against schools in their area and that eliminated some of the violence.

They played together and had some clean fun.”

Patron Sherman Smith’s son, Sherman Jr, was on hand to distribute the medals and team trophies to the winners on Friday.

Bain said the association was delighted to name the tournament after his father, who passed away during the pandemic. “He came down to support and to present the medals and trophies, so we were happy that he was able to do that.

Smith Jr said he was happy that the association honoured his father in the manner that they did.

“I appreciate it a lot. I know my dad was big on

basketball and coaching the sport,” he said. “He was passionate about it, so I am sure that he would have been proud of what is going on for him.”

He lauded Sturrup for remembering his father and he will continue to come out and support the league when they resume play again next season in 2025.

“I know there are a lot of kids who have basketball as their dream, so I’m happy to be able to see so many kids playing and enjoying the sport and following their dreams.”

BUDDY SCORES THREE POINTS IN 12 MINUTES CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Pascal Siakam had 25 points, nine assists and eight rebounds and the Indiana Pacers overcame a career-high 35 points from Hornets rookie Brandon Miller to beat Charlotte 115-99 last night and snap a three-game skid.

Aaron Nesmith added 22 points and Myles Turner had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers (28-23), who held the Hornets to 39.8% shooting from the field and 27.6% from beyond the arc.

Tyrese Haliburton had 17 points in 20 minutes while remaining on a minutes restriction due to a lingering hamstring injury. Buddy Hield added three points in 12 minutes.

Miller finished 10 of 25 from the field, 10 of 12 from the foul line and had five 3s for the Hornets. P.J. Washington added 22 points for Charlotte (10-38), which has lost seven straight — five of those by double digits.

The Pacers wasted little time jumping on a Hornets team playing without LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, Mark Williams and Cody Martin, building a 26-13 lead after the first quarter. The Pacers held the Hornets to 5-of-25 shooting in the opening quarter.

Indiana led by 24 in the third quarter, but the Hornets would cut the lead to 10 early in the fourth quarter behind Miller, who had 27 points in the second half.

But the Hornets could never get within striking distance, and the Pacers pushed the lead back to 17 after Nesmith stole a pass at midcourt and cashed in with an emphatic breakaway two-handed dunk with 5:36 left.

UP NEXT Pacers: Host Houston on Tuesday night.

SPORTS CALENDAR FROM PAGE 15 Sr. Boys - #2 Anatol Rodgers vs #3 CC Sweeting.

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL THE Bahamas Youth Flag Football League will be hosting a free offensive camp on February 10 @ the multipurpose field at the Sports Center. Kids ages 6 - 17 are invited to attend and can sign up by email byffl242@gmail.com.

This is the first official event for the BYFFL this year and will be followed by the 2nd Annual High School Tournament planned for April 13.

Inaugural Valentine’s Doubles Tennis Classic Open Invite THIS February, during the season of love, Insurance Management and The Gym Tennis Club of Winton invite tennis players in the country to experience the “love of the game” with their inaugural Valentine’s Doubles Classic Tennis Open Invitational.

The tournament will begin on February 10 and tennis players from all around the island will converge at the Gym Tennis Club in Winton to battle it out in a “doubles” only tournament featuring four categories, including: Men’s, Ladies, Over 55, and the always entertaining Mixed Doubles category.

Interested players should e-mail “gtctourbah@gmail. com” to get their registration forms.

Insurance Management and the Gym Tennis Club encourages fans and those who want to discover the love of tennis, to come come out, cheer, enjoy and even hit a ball or two.”

To Publish your Financials and

Legal Notices Call: 502-2394

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 5, 2024, PAGE 17

Bradley Beal scores 43 points in Washington return to help Suns rout Wizards, 140-112 WASHINGTON (AP) — Bradley Beal scored a season-high 43 points in his return to Washington and the Phoenix Suns routed the Wizards 140-112 yesterday.

Beal played 11 seasons before being dealt to Phoenix last offseason. He received a video tribute and standing ovation during player introductions before the game. Then he scored 26 points in the first half.

He had 41 after three quarters and then exited for good with 8:44 to play.

Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic scored 18 points apiece for Phoenix, and Devin Booker had 14. The Suns went 4-3 on a sevengame trip.

Deni Avdija had 24 points for the Wizards.

They were without Kyle Kuzma because of left shoulder soreness.

CLIPPERS 109, HEAT 95 MIAMI (AP) — Kawhi Leonard had 25 points and 11 rebounds, James Harden scored 16 of his 21 points in the second half and Los Angeles beat Miami.

Harden flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 11 assists and eight assists.

Norman Powell scored 16 points and Paul George added 11 for the Clippers.

Los Angeles is 25-5 since the start of December — by far the best record in the NBA over that span. The Clippers improved to 5-1 in their seven-game, 11-day trip.

Jimmy Butler scored 21 points and Terry Rozier finished with 17 for the Heat.

They have lost eight of their last 10.

CELTICS 131, GRIZZLIES 91 BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 34 points before sitting out the final quarter and NBA-leading Boston Celtics cruised past injury-depleted Memphis.

Coming off a disappointing loss Thursday night against a Los Angeles Lakers team missing LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Celtics faced a squad with only eight available players because 13 were on the injury report.

Kristaps Porzingis added 26 points to help the Celtics improve to 23-3 at TD

Garden. Boston was without All-Star forward Jaylen Brown because of a back injury.

Scotty Pippen Jr. led Memphis with 19 points.

THUNDER 135, RAPTORS 127, 20T OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Josh Giddey scored 24 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 23 and Oklahoma City overcame a 23-point deficit to beat Toronto in double-overtime.

Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort each added 22 points and Aaron Wiggins had 20 to help Oklahoma City improve to 35-15. The Thunder tied a team record with 23 3-pointers on 63 attempts.

RJ Barrett led Toronto with 23 points. Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl and former Thunder guard Dennis Schroder each scored 19 points. The Raptors made 14-of 35 3-pointers.

NUGGETS 112, TRAIL BLAZERS 103 DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic scored 29 points, Jamal Murray added 21 points and 10 assists and Denver Nuggets rallied past short-handed Portland for thier second victory the Trail Blazers in 48 hours.

The Nuggets didn’t trail by more than a basket in their 120-108 win over Portland on Friday night, also at Ball Arena, but didn’t lead this one until the final seconds of the third quarter when Jokic’s finger-roll layup broke an 84-84 tie.

Deandre Ayton led Portland with 27 points.

Anfernee Simons had 26.

JAZZ 123, BUCKS 108 SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Lauri Markkanen scored 21 points and Utah overcame a 19-point deficit to beat Milwaukee.

Keyonte George had 19 points and 10 rebounds and Collin Sexton also scored 19 points to help the Jazz snap a three-game losing streak.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 33 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds.

Bobby Portis added 27 points. Milwaukee dropped to 1-3 since Don Rivers took over as coach for the fired Adrian Griffin.

2026 WORLD CUP FINAL WILL BE PLAYED AT METLIFE STADIUM

By RONALD BLUM AP Sports Writer

PHOENIX Suns guard Bradley Beal gestures after he made a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards.

PHOENIX Suns guard Bradley Beal carries his son Deuce on the court after an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards yesterday in Washington.

(AP Photos/Nick Wass) PACERS 115, Miller finished 10 of 25 TIMBERWOLVES 111, HORNETS 99 from the field, 10 of 12 from ROCKETS 90 CHARLOTTE, N.C. the foul line and had five 3s MINNEAPOLIS (AP) (AP) — Pascal Siakam had for the Hornets. P.J. Wash- — Anthony Edwards 25 points, nine assists and ington added 22 points. scored 22 of his 32 points eight rebounds and Indiana Charlotte has lost seven in the third quarter, Rudy overcame a career-high 35 straight.

Gobert had 17 points and points from Hornets rookie MAGIC 111, 13 rebounds and Minnesota Brandon Miller to beat PISTONS 99 beat Houston.

Charlotte and snap a threeDETROIT (AP) — The Timberwolves have game skid.

Franz Wagner scored 27 of won five of seven and the Aaron Nesmith added 22 his 38 points in the second victory earned coach Chris points and Myles Turner half and Orlando beat Finch the nod to coach the had 16 points and 10 Detroit for its third straight Western Conference in the rebounds for the Pacers. victory.

All-Star game.

Tyrese Haliburton had 17 Paolo Banchero added 20 Gobert added four points in 20 minutes while points for Orlando. of Minnesota’s season remaining on a minutes Cade Cunningham and high-tying 11 blocks. Karlrestriction due to a linger- Jaden Ivey each scored 18 Anthony Towns had 14 ing hamstring injury. points for Detroit. points and 10 rebounds.

THE 2026 World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, beating out Texas and California for soccer’s showcase game.

FIFA awarded the July 19 championship to the $1.6 billion venue, which opened in 2010, the culminating match of an expanded 48-nation, 104-game tournament that will be spread across three nations for the first time.

Located about 10 miles from Manhattan, MetLife was promoted by both New York and New Jersey, where the stadium was built in the Meadowlands marshes.

The land of Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Frank Sinatra will be the focal point of the globe on that Sunday, when either Lionel Messi’s Argentina will try to win its second straight title or a successor will emerge.

“It will be a celebration of our diversity and our values,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in a telephone interview.

“The bigger picture is what leads up to it and what we leave behind for the decades to come.”

FIFA made the announcement yesterday at a Miami television studio, allocating the opener of the 39-day tournament to Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on June 11 and the finale to the home of the NFL’s New York Jets and Giants.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had lobbied for the final to be at his AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“The competition was dealing with the perception of the coastal, of a New York, or a Los Angeles,” he said. “If this were totally being played to just America and the United States, that wouldn’t have been such a formidable thing to overcome. But internationally, that’s formidable to overcome.”

PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE RACE GETS A LOT TIGHTER AS ARSENAL BEATS LIVERPOOL 3-1 AFTER ALISSON’S ERRORS

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer THE Premier League title race just got a lot tighter.

Arsenal benefited from two second-half errors from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker to claim a 3-1 victory over the league leaders yesterday.

Arsenal moved up to second place and just two points behind Liverpool after 23 of 38 games in what might shape up to be a three-way fight for the title.

Manchester City is in third place, five points off Liverpool but with two games in hand, and the defending champions will likely be happy with the result at Emirates Stadium.

City is away to Brentford on Monday.

Liverpool fell to only its second loss in the league, with the other also coming in north London — at Tottenham. If that defeat was in contentious circumstances, this one was of Liverpool’s own making after being dominated for large parts of the game and because of the nature of Arsenal’s crucial second goal in the 67th that made it 2-1.

Alisson, widely seen as the league’s best goalkeeper, came out of his area

in an attempt to clear a long pass forward but kicked fresh air and the ball hit the back of covering defender Virgil van Dijk. Gabriel Martinelli had the simple task of tapping the loose ball into an empty net.

The same Liverpool players had a role in a stoppage-time third, too, with Leandro Trossard’s shot deflecting off the outstretched boot of Van Dijk and going through the legs of Alisson as he tried to make the save at his near post. Liverpool was down to 10 men at that point after Ibrahima Konate’s sending off for two yellow cards.

Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal the lead in the 14th minute, only for Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes to score an own-goal when the ball struck his hand and flew into the net.

That pulled Liverpool level at halftime, despite the visitors not having a shot on goal in the first half in what was a below-par display overall by the leaders.

“It just shows the boys are human beings,” Klopp said. “Today we were really human.”

Arsenal is back in sight of the lead after a third straight win, which came after a run of three consecutive losses in all competitions that led to doubts over the title

LIVERPOOL’s manager Jurgen Klopp follows the game during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium in London yesterday.

(AP Photo/Kin Cheung) credentials of last season’s straight league game, set- play football with adventing United on its way to a ture runner-up. and enjoyment,” “We were top at Christ- 3-0 win against West Ham United manager Erik ten mas and then had a few at Old Trafford.

Hag said. “If we keep this Alejandro Garnacho, a process going, I am sure we sloppy results,” Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice 19-year-old winger, netted will achieve high levels.” said. “We seem to have the other two goals in the United’s current level is ourselves back on the right second half — and cel- sixth place, a point above ebrated the first of them West Ham in seventh and track.” by perching on an adver- six points behind TottenHOJLUND’S STREAK Rasmus Hojlund failed tising board with Hojlund ham in fifth. to find the net in his first and 18-year-old midfielder PRESSURE ON 14 games in the Premier Kobbie Mainoo. They are POCHETTINO League for Manchester three young players around The pressure is back on United. Now he cannot whom United is building its Chelsea manager Mauricio future. stop scoring.

Pochettino after a second “I think that picture straight heavy loss in the The Denmark striker marked his 21st birthday covers the lot — how they league, this time 4-2 at by scoring for the fourth are together and want to home to Wolverhampton.

It came four days after a 4-1 hammering by Liverpool at Anfield and there were jeers around Stamford Bridge at the final whistle after a wild game, during which Brazil striker Matheus Cunha scored a hat trick for Wolves.

With his team languishing in 11th place, Pochettino accepted Chelsea’s players “are not matching the history of the club.”

“Disappointed,” he said.

“I apologize to the fans.”

Chelsea at least has an English League Cup final to look forward to this month, against Liverpool on Feb. 25.

REYNA’S DEBUT Gio Reyna made his debut for Nottingham Forest as a second-half substitute in the team’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.

The United States midfielder came on in the 78th minute, four days after signing from Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season.

Forest had equalized by then, with Callum HudsonOdoi’s curling 45th-minute strike cancelling out the opener in the fifth minute from Justin Kluivert when he scored from close-range at a corner.

Philip Billing was sent off in the 84th for Bournemouth.

PAGE 18, Monday, February 5, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

BAISS Track and Field meet set for March 6-8

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE cancellation of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) track and field meet is now a thing of the past as the inter-school competition is back on the athletics calendar for March 6-8, according to reports.

Last week, the notable athletics event was reportedly called off due to scheduling issues which involved the closeness of the CARIFTA Trials slated for March 15-17.

Nonetheless, officials are rolling with the originally scheduled date for the high school championships.

Drumeco Archer, Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) president, was

vocal last week about his desire to see the meet go on and was pleased to see the situation come to a resolution.

“What we have always maintained is that we only facilitate this process and from the inception wanted to be able to come up with a time and date that would be convenient for the conference and all conferences.

“It wasn’t that we were imposing any dates on anyone. I am happy that BAISS really has saved the day by understanding that they have the right to choose any date and they have chosen a date that works best for them. We now have an opportunity to have a really great championship meet,” Archer said.

According to sources, the meet was initially shelved because it was

DRUMECO ARCHER scheduled for one week before the CARIFTA Trials which is mandatory for top athletes hoping to solidify their spot on Team Bahamas. The BAISS reportedly shied away from the March 6-8 date previously as a result of some schools not wanting their athletes to compete due to risk of injury. With

the original date now set in stone, the BAAA president expressed his view on the situation.

“However coaches, schools and physical education teachers manage the resources of the athletes in the lead up to CARIFTA is a matter of personnel and coaching and coordination of the two major groups.

My recommendation is that there is an opportunity for there to be timed finals then that certainly would have the best result for all parties involved. That would eliminate the rounds and seed the athletes based on their times,” he said.

The BAISS track and field meet has served as a major local sporting event for decades.

The long-standing rivalry between St Augustine’s College and Queen’s College is always the topic of

conversation around February and March. The Big Red Machine reeled in their third straight track and field championship last year and it was their fifth victory of the last eight meets. The Comets reigned supreme in 2015 when they dethroned the champions and followed it up with wins in 2016 and 2019.

After parents and alumni expressed displeasure in the event’s cancellation last week, Archer said it was good for track and field fans to see the meet go on.

“I am elated that BAISS has met the demands of its followers, the alumni and all of the track and field fans. I am very happy to see that the BAAAs has an event on its calendar that is of national class and people are really looking forward to that meet taking place,” he said.

More athletes qualify for CARIFTA FROM PAGE 15 She added that she can do better in everything and wants to work on her times ahead of the CARIFTA Games.

Carlos Brown Jr, who is no stranger to the CARIFTA Games, has qualified for his last hurrah at the junior regional competition. Brown stopped the clock at 10.72 seconds in the under 20 boys’ 100m prelims. However, in the finals, he shaved off some time to finish in 10.49 seconds under the CARIFTA standard of 10.55 seconds.

Jeremiah Adderley, of DTSP Wolfpack, also attained the standard landing right on 10.55 seconds.

Placing third in the event was Johathan Harris of Fast Forward.

Brown was thankful to qualify despite it not being a personal best for him.

“I just wanted to get out hard, keep my composure in the race and finish strong. I wanted to PR but I didn’t. I am still thankful that I qualified for CARIFTA,” he said.

The sprint specialist said he is feeling great after putting nagging injuries from last year behind him and wants to slim down as the season moves along.

“The only thing I really need to work on is slimming down a little bit more. I feel really great. I am injury-free now so I just have to thank God,” he said.

Jasmine Thompson, of Roadrunners, came away with a win and was a first time CARIFA qualifier in the under 17 girls’ 400m hurdles. The qualification standard is 1:06.19 and she finished in 1:05.24 to join the list of qualifiers on the track. Yulianis Akompi, of Quick Step Athletics, ran from behind in 1:08.45 and Red-Line’s Syrmiah Crawley ended in third.

Thompson felt good about accomplishing her goal.

“I felt good about it. I did not clip any but I did

stutter step and I will work on that but I am proud of myself overall. It is exciting, that’s what I was going for, so I am proud that I executed it,” she said.

She wants to improve on her technique and work on lowering her time.

Kaily Pratt, of 90 Degrees, cruised into a CARIFTA qualification in the under 20 girls’ 100m hurdles. She ran 14.66 seconds under the qualifying mark of 14.68 seconds in the event. Nia Richards and Kaiya Cambridge were positioned in second and third respectively.

FIELD The javelin throw event continues to be a must see at the club meets this season. Taysha Stubbs, of Blue Chip Athletics, once again qualified in the under-20 girls’ javelin throw. She pulled off a throw of 41.77m for first place.

Dior-Rae Scott also repeated as a qualifier with a toss of 39.89m. Joining the list of qualifiers was Noble Prep’s Vanessa Sawyer who also cleared the qualifying standard of 39.75m with her heave of 39.84m.

YOUNG athletes in action on Saturday at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium stadium.

Photos: Dante Carrer Cailyn Johnson met the long jump. The CARIFTA Kenny Moxey Jr for the standard in the under 20 standard is 5.58m. Adder- second time went over the girls’ discus throw for the ley soared to 5.87m in the qualifying mark of 3.60m second time and also had event while Major cleared with 4.00m in the pole a qualifying distance in the at 5.70m. Lanaisha Lubin vault event.

Joshua Williams, of shot put event. In the latter, placed third.

Paris Rolle, represent- Speed Begins, got a height the CARIFTA standard is 12.49m and she earned a ing Leap of Faith, leaped of 6.58m, surpassing the distance of 13.05m. Mean- to a height of 1.63m in the standard of 6.51m on while, in the discus throw under 17 girls’ high jump, Saturday.

Antone Smith was the her and fellow teammate landing her right on the Annae Mackey got qualify- qualifying mark of 1.63m. lone competitor in the ing distances of 45.00m and Her fellow teammate, under 20 boys’ triple jump.

Anaiah Rolle, was consist- He qualified with a jump of 43.40m respectively.

Koi Adderley, who quali- ent once again in the pole 14.45m in the event.

Next up will be the fied in the high jump, along vault event. She remained with Bayli Major, got it at her personal best mark Roadrunners track and done in the under 20 girls’ of 2.70m. For the boys, field meet this Saturday.

O’KEEFFE SECURES HER SPOT IN PARIS GAMES ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Fiona O’Keeffe smashed the women’s U.S. Olympic marathon trials record in her debut at the distance on a warm Saturday to secure her spot in the Paris Games.

O’Keeffe finished in a time 2 hours, 22 minutes, 10 seconds to break the American marathon trials mark of 2:25:38 set by Shalane Flanagan in 2012 in Houston. Emily Sisson, the U.S. marathon record holder, was second and Dakotah Lindwurm surged into third to make Team USA for Paris.

On the men’s side, training partners and good friends Conner Mantz and Clayton Young finished 1-2 to qualify for Paris. They celebrated with the crowd as they made their way to the finish line. Mantz finished in a time of 2:09:05 as Young gave way near the end and finished a second behind.

Leonard Korir used a late surge to take third, but he now plays the waiting game until May to see if a third Olympic spot is unlocked on the American men’s marathon side. He finished in 2:09.57, just off the time (2:08.10) he needed to guarantee a spot in the Paris Games.

It was around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 Celsius) at the start of the race, with temperatures climbing into the 70s. In November, officials moved up the time of the race to 10 a.m. out of weather concerns.

O’Keeffe soaked in the moment after her surprise finish.

“I was not expecting this performance,” O’Keeffe said in a postrace interview.

“I had to pinch myself with eight miles to go and be like: ‘Stay calm. Don’t freak out.’”

For Sisson, it was redemption after dropping out late in the race at the marathon trials in Atlanta in February 2020. Lindwurm, a onetime goaltender on her high school ice hockey team in Minnesota, went to Florida in December to get used to the weather.

Molly Seidel, who captured Olympic bronze at the Tokyo Games, didn’t take the start line because of a knee injury.

Mantz and Young were teammates at BYU and are trained by two-time Olympic marathoner Ed Eyestone. Working together throughout the race, Mantz and Young began pulling away with about three miles remaining. Young even turned around his hat — before later ditching it — to get down to business.

Young, who had knee surgery a year ago, energised the crowd by raising his arms to generate more applause down the homestretch.

It was their stage and they enjoyed the moment — together.

Two-time defending U.S. marathon trials champion Galen Rupp wound up in 16th place. At 47, Abdi Abdirahman was trying to make his sixth Olympic team, but he dropped out during the race.

The course along the streets of Orlando started with a 2 1/2-mile loop before branching into three eight-mile loops on the fairly flat course.

Gardiner clocks world-leading time in 300, Charlton 3rd in 60mH FROM PAGE 15 Robinson National Stadium from May 4-5. “I am running the mixed medley and I know we can go out there and win the gold with me, Shaunae (Miller-Uibo), Anthonique (Strachan) and Alonzo (Russell). We can do it,” said Gardiner, who also intends to run on the men’s 4 x 400m relay team.

Gardiner, whose goal is to get back on the podium at the Olympics, said his performance over the weekend

was just a tip of the iceberg as he prepares to defend his title at the Olympics in Paris, France, in August.

Here’s a view of the performances from athletes elsewhere over the weekend: Charlton third At the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston, national record holder Devynne Charlton placed third in the women’s 60m hurdles in 7.76.

American Tia Jones clocked a world leading and

personal best of 7.72 for a meet record of 7.72.

World outdoor record holder Tobi Amusan was second in 7.75 for a Nigerian national record.

Cartwright’s double feat At the Iowa State Classic in Ames, Iowa, Denisha Cartwright posted a double victory as the Minnesota State senior captured the women’s 200m in 24.02 and the 60m hurdles in 8.12 after posting the fastest qualifying time of 8.20.

Robyn Rolle-Curry, also competing for Minnesota State, but as a junior, was second in the women’s 400m in a personal best of 54.67, surpassing her previous lifetime of 55.57.

Valcourt second At the University of New Mexico Collegiate Classic, Tennessee’s Javonya Valcourt took second place in the women’s invitational 400m in a time of 52.75.

The winning time was 52.62 by NaAsha Robinson, who competed unattached.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 5, 2024, PAGE 19

GSSSA: Rattlers close out season strong

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE CI Gibson Rattlers senior girls and boys closed out the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) basketball regular season in good standing on Friday.

The Lady Rattlers, the defending champions, asserted their dominance against the Anatol Rodgers High School Timberwolves senior girls in a wire-to-wire 80-16 blowout victory.

Meanwhile, the reigning senior boys’ champions ended their season undefeated after handing the Timberwolves their first and final loss of the regular season in a finals rematch at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

Senior Boys The Rattlers laid waste to the Timberwolves 66-59 in a game that was closer than the final score reflected.

Both teams stepped onto the hardwood with undefeated records, but it was the Timberwolves who would leave with one loss on the season and the Rattlers come away as the pennant winners.

Rattlers head coach Kevin “KJ” Johnson was happy to close out yet another regular season with his team as the pennant winners and with a spotless record.

“This is the second time, last year we were but, at the end of the day, we have got to go into the playoffs with a mindset that it is a new day, a new ballgame. We have to reset and get better, especially on the free shots and taking care of the basketball,” coach Johnson said.

With both teams hungry to be crowned the pennant winners, last year’s final two senior boys’ squads were tied 27 apiece at the halftime break.

The see-saw affair shifted in the Rattlers’ favour in the third period as the team moved ahead 36-29 following a crowd-pleasing dunk.

The defending champions then capitalised on the shift in momentum to lead by 11 at the 3:12 mark and wrapped up the quarter 49-39.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, it seemed as if the Timberwolves’ offence had stalled while the Rattlers’ had kicked into high gear. The reigning champions ran out 52-39 following a series of missed buckets by the Timberwolves.

However, the latter would not go down without a fight and climbed back into the game after consecutive makes from three and a crafty layup.

After trailing behind by as much as 13 points, the Timberwolves closed in 55-52 with 4:14 on the clock.

Coach Johnson said at this juncture of the contest he reminded the team that they were still in the lead but had to take care of the rock.

“I told the guys we were up, just to take care of the

basketball because we were turning the basketball over.

We went up by almost 14 points but we got relaxed and careless with the basketball.

“I think we had four or five turnovers and Anatol capitalised on at least four of those turnovers, that’s why they were able to get back into the game.

“We were tough enough and pulled it out by seven or eight points. We are gonna go back to the drawing board and get better,” the coach said.

The team received the message and responded with an 8-0 run to dish out the final blow of the game.

The Timberwolves had a last minute chance to bring the game within four in crunch time but were unsuccessful on two attempts at the charity stripe.

Tashan Butler got to work in the high stakes game. He dropped a gamehigh 26 points with 13 scored in the final period to put away the Timberwolves.

On the opposite end of the court, Xavier Thompson led the Timberwolves with 10 points.

The Rattlers will open the 2024 GSSSA sudden death playoffs against the fourth seeded CR Walker Knights on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves play the third seeded CC Sweeting Cobras.

Senior Girls In the opening game of Friday’s double header, the Lady Rattlers earned a comfortable win against the Timberwolves. They charged ahead early with an unbelievable 50-0 run, capitalising on sloppy turnovers and dismal transition defence by their opponents in the first half.

The senior girls of Anatol Rodgers got into the game with a bank three-pointer at the 4:30 mark of the third, making the score 54-3.

The Rattlers outscored their opponents entire second half total of 16 points with 18 of their own in the final quarter to put the nail in the coffin.

Jada Francis, last season’s MVP, powered her way to a game-high 25 points.

She poured in 16 points in the first half alone. Philipa Ferguson was equally as impressive, scoring 14 of her 18 points in the first segment of the contest.

Coach Johnson was impressed with the latest win by the senior girls.

“It feels very good to close out the season on a strong note. We just gotta continue to get better as a team and hopefully we will give ourselves a chance to get back into the championships and a chance to win.

We have to be ready for the playoffs so hopefully with this win and practicing until next week, we will be good to go,” he said.

The team will face the third seeded Lady Knights on Thursday in the sudden death round.

The 2024 GSSSA sudden death basketball playoffs begin on Tuesday at the same venue. The pennant winning CV Bethel

CHINA EXTENDS WINNING STREAK IN MEN’S SYNCHRO DIVING AT THE WORLD AQUATICS CHAMPIONSHIPS DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Diving powerhouse China won gold in the men’s 3-metre synchronised springboard for the fourth time in a row at the World Aquatics Championships yesterday.

Wang Zongyuan and Long Daoyi were the top scorers in five of the six rounds and finished with a total 442.41 points, beating Italy’s Lorenzo Marsaglia and Giovanni Tocci on 384.24 and Spain’s Adrian Abadia and Nicolas Garcia Boissier on 383.28.

Wang and Long won the world title last year in Fukuoka, Japan. Wang also won Olympic gold in 2021 and the world title in 2022 with other partners.

Kristof Rasovszky of Hungary won his second career world title in open water swimming with victory in the men’s 10-kilometre event at the Old

Doha Port. Rasovszky, the Olympic silver medallist in 2021, won by 2.40 seconds from France’s Marc-Antoine Olivier, with Hector Pardoe third for Britain.

China’s artistic swimmers retained the title they won last year in the team acrobatic event, while the United States won its first medal of the championships with bronze. Swimming last, China scored 244.1767 to edge past Ukraine by .86.

At the Olympics, the team acrobatic, technical and free events are combined together into one artistic swimming team competition. Men have competed in artistic swimming at the world championships since 2015 — when the sport was still known as synchronised swimming — and they will be allowed to be part of Olympic teams for the first time this year in Paris.

FINISHING STRONG: The CI Gibson Rattlers, senior boys defending champions, wrapped up the 2024 Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) basketball regular season with an undefeated record and as the pennant winners.

Stingrays will face the fourth seeded RM Bailey

Pacers in the senior girls’ division. Make up games

will be played by the junior boys and girls today at the

CI Gibson Gymnasium, starting at 4pm.